Srinagar, March 25: Sports and games are among the most effective tools to combat the drug menace and keep youth engaged in productive and healthy activities, stated Divisional Sports Officer (DSO) Kashmir, Nusrat Gazala, while inaugurating the Softball/Baseball Championship 2024-25 at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar on Tuesday.
The three-day championship, organised by the J&K Softball Association with the support of the J&K Sports Council, has attracted over 500 athletes and officials from 14 districts of the Union Territory. The opening ceremony was graced by DSO Kashmir as the chief guest, with Mushtaq Zargar (Manager, Bakshi Stadium) and Maqsood Khan (Deputy Manager, SKISC Srinagar) attending as guests of honour. The event also saw participation from reputed sports personalities, district sports heads, promoters, enthusiasts, and international softball athletes.
Speaking on the occasion, Nusrat Gazala commended the J&K Sports Council and J&K Softball Association for their efforts in promoting softball and other recognised sports across the Union Territory. She highlighted that softball, a regular event in the Olympic and Asian Games, has been gaining significant momentum in J&K, with increasing participation from across the UT. She emphasised that engaging youth in sports helps prevent drug abuse and other social evils, which have been rising at an alarming rate. Calling sportspersons messengers of peace and harmony, she applauded the organisers’ dedication to strengthening the sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
The championship features competitions across three categories: Sub-Junior (Boys & Girls), Junior (Boys & Girls), and Senior (Men & Women).
“The championship, sponsored by the J&K Sports Council, will conclude on March 27. So far, 18 matches have been played across various categories. The technical officials and ground staff of the Sports Council deserve appreciation for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event,” she said.
